Happy 6th month Isabelly

Oh how time flies really fast. A week ago we celebrated her 6th month. Just another simple monthly celebration with the family. ♡

Uno's chocolate fallen from Lolo

Being a mother taught me a lot. There is always a great feeling of love and contentment everytime you look at your child. Everytime I see her no matter how tired or sleep deprived I am, it all goes away. Motherhood changed me a lot, my priorities changed in an instant. When I was still single I used to be obsessed with my career, my schedule revolved around my work. I used to spend overtime even on weekends. But now I am always checking the time, I always look forward to coming home and seeing her face light up when she sees me. For the first 6 months I have also discovered a lot of thing about my husband. How responsible,loving and caring he has become and with that I am really proud of him.

My Isabelly

I wish that you grow up to be a gentle, God fearing and brave lady. Always respect other people and be compassionate. We love you dearly Isabelly ♡

Breastfeeding is Best Feeding

While I was still pregnant i've read about the benefits of breastfeeding. My husband and I also attended several seminars from The Medical City (These are free by the way) that encourages us parents to breastfeed. I also joined a support group in facebook called Breastfeeding Pinays and learned a lot of this to prepare us when baby Isay arrives.

Now at 6 months I am very grateful that we were able to do exclusive breastfeeding and i'm planning to continue until she turns 2 or until she weans. Through this journey I have learned a lot of things that I would also like to share to first time moms like me.

1. Breastmilk is the best source for your baby
WHO and DOH recommends breastfeeding exclusively (No other supplements, not even water) for the first 6 months. It is the perfect source of nourishment for your baby. Vitamins on the other hand depends on you if you think there is a need for it. Some doesn't recommend it, some doctors do. Isay's pedia prescribed iron during her 3rd month and vitamin C during her 5th month.

2. Mom's antibodies are passed through breastmilk
This is very important for me since I am prone to allergies, the thought of passing my antibodies is the one that made me commit to breastfeed. There is also no problem with constipation or milk allergies. And as I have observed she really has good immune system.

3. Economical and Convenient
Formula milk usually costs around 4k to 6k per month. Breastfeeding is not free, I still bought some tools (Breast pump, storage bottles, breastmilk bag, feeding bottles) but overall I think we were able to save a lot. As for the convenience, when we go out we do not need to bring a lot of things. When we go out I usually bring my expressed milk or just do direct latching. At night, I don't need to get up. I just pop out my boob then we will doze off.

4. Special bond with mom and baby
There is an unexplainable feeling of joy and fulfillment everytime.

5. Support system is essential
I am lucky that my husband and our families are very supportive of this endeavor. Also if not for the understanding of my co workers I wouldn't be able to pump as much as I do at work. Another part is from online support groups which have been really helpful especially when you have doubts on your supply or the benefits of your liquid gold.

There are a lot more lessons and knowledge I have gained throughout this journey. And I am glad I am able to provide this for my baby.

The Medical City Baby Friendly Ward

I delivered baby Isay at The Medical City through their normal delivery package. The package is an estimated P57,000 inclusive of Labor and Delivery charges, Hospital Room and Professional fees. The price is really good considering that a normal delivery usually costs 80k to 90k pesos. To qualify to this package you need to be endorsed by your ob and have met the following conditions:
        1) Pregnancy is at 38 weeks or more
        2) No complications (eg. High blood pressure)
Once you get a go signal to avail the package, you will be given a form by your ob that you will present in the pre labor room when admitted. Also, one of the conditions of this package is that you will be staying at the Baby Friendly Ward. Room upgrade is not allowed.

While I was in the labor room, the nurse told my husband to secure a room in the ward for me. The baby friendly ward is different from an ordinary hospital ward. It is a special area with a nurse in charged and 6 rooms (I think). Each room has an accordion divider so there is privacy. There are 2 common CRs, 1 on each end. The CR also has a shower area.

The room is quite small, just enough for 1 companion. It has a bed, chair for companion, bassinet for the baby (Rooming in is required in TMC), a drawer for your things and this movable table. I think it is good for the price, it is small but there is privacy and enough room for you, hubby and your baby.

My Labor and Delivery Story (Part 3)

Everyone was rushing. I was still having chills when I was transferred to another bed. They placed my bp monitor, got me more anesthesia and someone was preparing the "exit path" thru shaving and putting some betadine (Sorry TMI).

The resident ob instructed me on how to push. Inhale then push for 10 seconds. I tought "ok sounds easy". They were all very encouraging and let me practice how to breathe when pushing. My hubby finally arrived at the delivery room and held my hand by my side.

My very cool ob on the left, Dra Rowena Rivera

Then it began, i thought it would be simple but heck it was actually difficult. I was on epidural but it was not 100% painless so that I will be able to feel the contractions and know when to push. There were 2 doctors holding each of my legs. And the resident ob helped me by putting pressure on my tummy as I push.

After 3 tries I still wasn't able to do it. I was already preparing myself should there be a need for emergency cs. I just prayed for my baby to be delivered safely. They were already worried that baby Isa is now under stress and each time I finish pushing she is pulled back. They encouraged me to try again and collect my strength. Finally her head came out then after another push she was completely out

Hello princess

We were able to perform unang yakap and she also latched perfectly. Afterwards she was checked on another side of the delivery room while my ob was stitching me. I felt overwhelmed with joy and reality was starting to sink in. I am a mother now. 

My sweet bundle of joy

Our first family picture

Proud daddy

I would like to thank the doctors and staff of The Medical City for my smooth and successful delivery :). Should we be blessed with baby number 2 I would still deliver here.

My Labor and Delivery Story (Part 2)

By 10:30 AM I was transferred to the Labor Room. I think there were 3 of us in labor at that time. Each mommy has her own room so there is privacy. Unlike in the movies that you can hear each mom cursing and crying out the pain, it was quite peaceful. By lunch time I was allowed to have light lunch so they asked hubby to buy a meal for me. After that I asked the resident ob if I could walk so that my labor would progress. I was really dreading to have an emergency cs. Plus I was also under the delivery package of The Medical City for Normal Delivery.

I walked for around 30 mins then when I felt my contractions to be more uncomfortable I went back to my bed and took a rest. By 2pm I was only at 4 cm but it was getting untolerable since the interval was more frequent. I asked the resident ob if I can already be given an epidural. She was a little worried since its a little too early but I told her I couldn't rest due to the contractions. By 3pm Dra Cos and her team arrived and they administered the epidural. I was asked to be on C position and an orderly was there to hold my body in place. It was scary as I was trying not to move but then the contractions are becoming stronger. By 5pm my ob Dra Rivera arrived and did an IE. I was already 7cm and 80% effaced. My water bag was still intact. I was able to sleep thanks to the epidural. It wasn't completely painless but it was tolerable.

By around 6pm my ob ruptured my water bag and told me it was clear. My baby did not poop yet. Around this time I was beginning to feel the contractions again so I asked for another shot. By around 7pm I asked for a bed pan. I said I felt the urge to pee or go on number 2 but I am not sure. The resident ob checked on me and I was already at 10cm and 100% effaced! They called my ob and rushed me to the delivery room. Everything happened so fast there were a lot of medical staff and I remember feeling cold and having chills. I felt nervous and excited and the same time.
They called my hubby to change to a scrub suit and go to the delivery room to be with me. As they were prepping me I prayed for a safe delivery. Finally we are about to meet baby Isay :

Love is sweeter the 2nd time around. My 2nd Saya Carrier

A few months back I bought my first Saya VTB in Oro Black. After a few tries I found it complicated to use with my then 3 month old girl so I sold it online. Now that my daughter is turning 6months (7kg) it became harder to carry her so I became interested in babywearing again. I got a Chicco SSC which I thought would be better but it gave me shoulder and back pains. Also I found out that it is a narrow base carrier which is not recommended (Read: Hip Dysplacia)

Luckily I was able to order another Saya through babymama.ph. This time I got a VTB Element (Brown) in size 1. Now I am determined to utilize it. I find it much easier now that my baby has neck control, putting her in the Saya is such a breeze compared to before. Yesterday we were able to test it while we were strolling through the mall. In just about 15 mins she fell asleep and it lasted for around 2 hours I think.

Isay sleeping soundly

Am I satisfied? Definitely! ♡

How I pump breastmilk at work

My daughter will be turning 6 months in a week and I am really overjoyed to have been able to exclusively breastfeed her. For working moms like me, here is what I do to successfully provide milk for my baby.
First let me show you my kit:

Pouch for my electic pump, igloo insulated bag for my bottles and ice pack

For an 8 hr work here is what I need:
    Double electric pump (Spectra M1 from babymama.ph)
    Pump accessories stored in a lock and lock container
    2 bottles to be connected to my pump (I use avent bottles since the spectra bottles seems loose)
    3 breastmilk storage bottles (Looney tunes brand)
    5 Ice packs (The blue one lasts only around 4 hrs while the silver one around 6 hrs)
I decided to use a double electric pump so that I can be more efficient time wise. Instead of 15mins per breast I can be done in 15mins for both breast. I used to have a handsfree pumping bra but I dont use it anymore since I find it much of a hassle to put it on so I just hold both breast pumps using my left arm. Then my other hand is still free to do some stuff (Facebook, online shopping hihi)

Here is my pumping schedule:

06:45 Arrive in the office
07:00 1st Pump
           I store it in our clinic's ref together with 3 ice packs
10:00 2nd Pump
15:00 3rd Pump
**17:00 If I need to extend time in the office I would still pump. Otherwise I go home by 16:00 hihi

I don't clean my pump after each session. I just store it back in my insulated bag together with the avent bottles and leave atleast 2 ice packs. During my 2nd pumping time I just change ice packs from the ref. This remains cold throughout the day. As for my expressed milk I keep it in my looney tunes bottle and store it in the clinic's ref

Each session usually lasts around 15 to 20 minutes for me. And I normally get 4 to 5 oz. So everyday I am bringing home around 12 to 16 oz for my baby girl's consumption for the following day.

I think the key to sustaining breastfeeding for working moms is to pump regularly. Try to express milk every 3 to 4 hours to maintain your supply regardless of what technique you will use. Some moms has done it using hand expression which I have yet to try.

My Labor and Delivery Story (Part 1)

It was 1:00 AM on April 29 that I woke up to pee. I had some bloody show again but my water bag was still intact. I was already at 40 weeks and 3 days by this time.

I couldn't get back to sleep as I felt uncomfortable due to abdominal pains.
I felt some mild contractions that were still irregular.
I used my contraction timer app to check the interval. I was still in denial at this point that I did not woke G up. I did not sleep, instead I just checked my hospital bag, prepared our pocket money for the hospital bill, ate some snacks and just waited for the time.

By 6:00 AM G woke up. I told him I was having contractions but not yet strong enough for us to go to the hospital. I told him that we can wait for my ob's clinic to open (I had false labor a week ago which costed almost 2k for the prelabor room so I wanted to be sure already). At this point I was actually uncomfortable already. I tried to do some breathing techniques to manage the pain and it did work on some point but sometimes I needed to stop still and just wait for it to pass.

We arrived at The Medical City around 7:00 AM and decided to have breakfast first at Pancake House since Dra Rivera's clinic starts at 9:00 AM

The Pancake House. Excited for our little girl

Upon arrival at my ob's clinic, she performed an IE and said I was already at 2cm and 70% effaced. She confirmed that I was already in labor (yey!). We immediately went to the pre labor room. I was asked to change to a hospital gown. Remove all my clothes, jewelry and glasses. The resident ob monitored my contractions then informed my ob. When my ob gave the go signal the midwife gave the enema (hate this part). After a few minutes I felt stomach pains like I had a bad case of diarrhea. I really hated this part! Aside from the discomfort, I felt so ashamed that it wasn't discreet. I think everyone outside the restroom heard my ordeal hehe.
When I was done I was then escorted to the labor room. Time check: 10:30 AM

Last selfie before meeting Isabelly

Current Obsession: Quaker Good Start Breakfast Drink

As a breastfeeding mom, i'm constantly looking for ways to increase my milk supply. One of the mommies from a breastfeeding group raved about this oatmeal drink and how it helped her have more milk. I've read about rolled oats so I wasn't sure if this will do but out of curiosity I bought one from 7 11 for 31php and I got hooked. I tried both the banana creme and vanilla malt flavor. The banana creme tastes like baby food (cerelac) while the vanilla malt tastes like rice crispies (Read: Pinipig). From these two I like the vanilla malt more.

Energy boost at the office

Nutrition Information

As for my milk supply, I don't know if it has an effect yet since there is no change in the amount that I pump at the office even when I was not drinking this. 

4 oz from my 10 minute morning session

My love-hate relationship with my Saya VTB Carrier

My baby loves being carried and as much as i love carrying her too it gets more difficult now that she's getting heavier. She now weighs 5.6kg at 2.5 months.

After breastfeeding in Shi Lin (Nursing cover from Nanay at Ako)

I've searched for tools that I can use in babywearing. Initially, I wanted an ergobaby or a tula but was turned off by its price (7k to 9k pesos) which is the same price as her stroller already. Then i've read about Saya and it's positive reviews. A lot of moms swear by it. I then ordered mine through babymama.ph for 1400php with a 125 delivery charge. I got a Saya Oro Versatek Blend in size 1.

Saya comes with a pouch and an instructional guide (not in photo)

What I love about it:
1. The design is simple and classy
2. The packaging - the pouch makes it easy to bring the Saya by putting it in a baby bag, carrying it like a bag or hanging it in the stroller
3. Everytime I use it, my baby falls asleep in less than 10 minutes. So I can say she is quite comfy.

Salcedo Weekend Market (Isa sleeping in her Saya)

What I don't like about it:
1. Difficult to wear (or maybe since i'm just a newbie) - I've only successfully done the Yakap position so far. Putting my baby on it is quite a struggle too.
2. Not breathable enough - I can't wear it outside for a long time especially here in Manila
3. I'm afraid it is too tight for my baby - I have only done the Yakap position because I'm not sure that other positions will be comfortable enough for my baby

I rarely use my Saya because of the reasons above but I'm not giving up on it yet. Hopefully I can manage to try the Duyan and other positions as well and be one of those moms who loves babywearing. Maybe one day I will use it again once my little girl has more neck control.

Things to do before giving birth

Aside from the usual preparations (baby room, maternity bag, insurance forms), these are the things I wish I could have done or have done more before giving birth to my first baby. Who knows this might be useful when I get pregnant again in the future hihi.

1. Spend time with your husband/partner
Go on dates, watch a movie, have a staycation or just a simple moment wherein you can just cuddle and relax because this would be impossible when you have a newborn.

2. Catch up / meet up with friends

3. Do your bank or goverment transaction
Aside from the priority lane for pregnant women, it will take a while for you to go out after giving birth to get these things done

4. Get a haircut
You don't want those locks to get in the way when carrying your baby especially while nursing.

5. Attend parenting seminars
As the saying goes knowledge is power. G and I attended several seminars for soon to be parents in The Medical City. These are free and very helpful especially to first time parents. Just visit their facebook page for the schedule.

6. Get a massage
I wasn't able to have a prenatal massage because I thought it will be easy to schedule a post natal one. But now at 3 months postpartum I still am not able to get one since I am always excited to go home to my little munchkin and can't afford to add it to my schedule

7. Sleep / Relax / Meditate
When you have a newborn, even a 30 minute nap is considered gold!

My cute little munchkin

My Pregnancy Story (Baby Isabel)

Last August 2014 I found out I was pregnant, it was 3 days before our planned vacation to Tokyo. The day after, G and I decided to consult an ob-gyne to know if we should still continue our vacation. Based on my last menstrual period I was on my 5th week already. Upon examination we were given a go signal and some reminders on what to do and what not to eat. I also started taking folic acid. I started reading about pregnancy and downloaded apps (My pregnancy today, What to expect)
(No long walks, no raw food, steak has to be well done 😞)

Tokyo 2014

I had a very easy first trimester as I did not experience any morning sickness or cravings. I still drove myself to work and render overtime sometimes. I also followed a strict diet and avoided sweets especially soda. At the end of my first trimester I actually lost weight but felt much healthier. I still wore my pre-pregnancy clothes and my bump was still too shy.

5th Month

By the second trimester, my bump started showing. I was still able to use my normal jeans but with the help of a belly belt. My ob-gyne also changed my vitamins to Obimin Plus. I was also drinking Anmun at this time although my doctor was against it as for its sugar content. This was also the time that we found out we were having a girl. Near the end of my second trimester I had a Congenital Anomaly Scan (Thank God everything is normal) and an OGTT which I almost failed (I blame it on Christmas Holidays! Too much sweets)

8th Month

By the third trimester I started having stretch marks even though I religiously applied sunflower oil. I was also feeling hot all the time and occassionaly get lower back pains. On a happier note, this was the time I felt strong kicks from my tummy which made everyday exciting. this was also the start of my baby shopping spree. I ordered items online, went on sales and go to the children's section of a department store almost every week. G and I also attended seminars about breastfeeding and childcare 101 in The Medical City (These are free seminars from the hospital) which helped a lot for us first time parents.
By week 38 I went on maternity leave which turned out to be too early since I went into real labor on my full term (40 weeks and 3 days). After the 38th week I had 3 Biophysical Scans to check my amniotic fluid level and my baby's movement. G and I became impatient with excitement, I researched on natural labor inducing methods. I walked for 2 hours everyday, 20reps of squats in the evening, ate pineapple and asked G for a massage that targets pressure points to start contractions of my uterus. But no matter what crazy methods I did there were still no signs of labor until my 40th week. I guess the baby will come out when she wants to. Patience indeed is a virtue 😁

Overall I had an easy and happy pregnancy, thanks to the support of my husband, our families and friends. Also to my ob-gyne Dra Rowena Rivera of The Medical City for taking care of me.

My labor and delivery story on a separate post.

Hello World

Greetings from the Philippines!

About Me:

I'm a 30 year old mom to an adorable baby girl. Currently working as a software developer in a Japanese company. I love to eat, watch movies and to travel. I'm starting this blog to share my experiences as a first time mom, our breastfeeding journey and other random stuff about our family.

I got married last year to my boyfriend for 8 years. My husband and I met while we were still in college, became good friends and as they say the rest is history. ♡

Cambodia 2014

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

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